# A Prayer for Mercy for the Whole World
*2020-04-19*

> Bill Young reflects on Divine Mercy Sunday, shares a special prayer for the world’s suffering, and leads listeners through the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and related prayers.

## Divine Mercy Reflections

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. It’s the day after Divine Mercy Sunday, and I hope everyone had a chance to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet.{unclear} I was thinking about the Trinity as an upside‑down triangle—an image used in the fifth century—and how perspective changes what we see. Whether we view it right‑side up or upside down, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit remain present.

I also noticed a warm sun outside and heard a claim that sunlight could kill the coronavirus. Who knows? In any case, God’s mercy is always with us, especially for those on the front lines of health care.

## A Prayer to Obtain Mercy for the Whole World

The prayer I found in a 2007 prayer book (over 1,200 pages, compiled by Deacon Rosemary) reads:

“​O Eternal Father, whose mercy is infinite and whose treasury of compassion is inexhaustible, turn your merciful gaze upon us. Increase your mercy in us so that in times of hardship we may not despair, but with confidence submit to your holy will, which is love and mercy. Amen.”

I then read the longer “Prayer to Obtain Mercy from God for All the World”:

“​O merciful God, infinite in goodness, all mankind cries out from the abyss of misery to your compassion. Do not reject the prayers of this earth’s exiles. Know that we cannot reach you by our own power. Anticipate us with your grace, increase your mercy in us, and help us faithfully do your holy will throughout life and at the hour of death. May the optimism of your mercy shield us from the enemies of salvation, that we may await your coming with confidence, receiving all that Jesus promised. Amen.”

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Now we pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, offering the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins of the whole world. For the sake of His sorrowful passion, we ask: “Have mercy on us and on the whole world.” This repeated petition is the heart of the chaplet.

We conclude with the threefold prayer:

“​Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

Followed by the closing prayer:

“​O Eternal Father, whose mercy is endless and whose treasury of compassion is inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we may not despair but submit confidently to your holy will, which is love and mercy. Amen.”

## Joining the Global Rosary and Staying Connected

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is offering a live rosary tonight—Spanish at 6 p.m., English at 8 p.m.—with thousands of families joining via Zoom. You can also pray the rosary at home and share photos of any “hidden Trinity” you find in nature (e.g., a leaf shaped like a triangle). Send pictures to my email wryung12@yahoo.com or text 954‑559‑0104.

Remember, even while we stay at home, we have more time for prayer, daily Mass, and virtual gatherings. Let us keep praying for those sick with COVID‑19, for the souls in purgatory, and for all who suffer.

*God’s infinite mercy is ever‑present; by praying together we bring that mercy to a world in need.*